the son of civil rights leader jesse jackson, jackson, jr., mysteriously disappeared from public view last june. it was later revealed he was undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder. jackson was reelected earlier this month, though he did not actively campaign, recording only a single message for his constituents. but his health may not be the only factor in jackson's decision to resign. for more than a year, the washington field office of the f.b.i. has been investigating the possible misuse of campaign funds, according to federal sources, who say discussions about a possible plea deal began in just the past few weeks. today, for the first time, jackson acknowledged that investigation. a plea deal does not appear to be imminent, jeff. late today, jackson's lawyers put out a written statement in which they said, "we hope to negotiate a fair resolution of the matter, but the process could take several months." >> glor: chip reid, thank you. congress and the president have just 40 days to avoid the so- called fiscal cliff. when the ball drops on new year's eve, tax hikes and severe sp